POOR spring weather and a shortage of field voles has led to a sharp decrease in Cheshire’s iconic barn owls.
The popular bird of prey, which has been fostered by the Broxton Barn Owl Group, had a phenomenal breeding year in 2007 with 650 fledglings, but this has been followed up with poor numbers this summer.
The conservation group is concerned but not alarmed by the decline, believing this year’s poor yield in barn owl eggs is part of a natural cycle and have fingers crossed for an improved 2009.
Recorded breeding pairs increased from 61 in 2003 to a record 160 breeding pairs in 2007.
Chairman Bernard Wright explained: “It was a bumper year last year with 650 young barn owls ringed – it will be a fraction of that this year. Last year there were an average of 4.5 birds per nest, this year it is 2.5.
“It’s not a disaster but it’s certainly a cause for concern and watching but this is part of a natural cycle.”
The barn owl’s breeding cycle starts in winter, with most laying eggs around spring with an average of 30 days to incubate followed by a fledgling period of 60 days before they fly the nest.
The Broxton Barn Owl Group is encouraging a stewardship scheme among farmers in which they let pasture land grow into rough grassland.
The group started in 1995 and has played a big part in popularising the bird. Members collect sightings, monitor nest sites, conduct surveys, erect nest boxes and visit farmers.
Mr Wright added: “Our objective has always been to raise awareness of barn owls and I think we achieved that.”
Anyone who knows of the location of any barn owls, or have seen any recently, is asked to contact John Mycock on 07970 235473.
